Business - Economics & Finance

The MBS Economics and Finance is a challenging one-year taught programme aimed at preparing graduates for a career in finance or in economics. The course was developed in response to demand from financial service companies for specialist graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in areas such as econometrics, financial derivatives, data analytics and advanced financial analysis and interpretation.

The course was developed in collaboration with companies in the financial services sector with the aim of producing high quality graduates with quantitative and analytical skills who would have a capability to work in specialist roles in economics and finance. The delivery of the programme incorporates lectures, workshops by leading financial experts, a dedicated seminar programme on topics relating to finance and economics and visits to financial services companies. Additional practice-based training is provided in key skills areas such as econometrics, derivatives, analytics and corporate financial interpretation. Students receive specialised training in quantitative financial methods, business simulation and monetary economics and use the full range of financial software that is available to students within the Business School including Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times.

Programme Goals
What is the Master of Business in Economics and Finance?
The programme will provide you with a challenging experience; help to expand your knowledge and skill-set whilst at the same time develop new mindsets and attitudes to prepare you for the demands of the business environment. The MBS programme provides students with the opportunity to enhance their specialist subject knowledge, experience innovative learning methods and explore opportunities arising from innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development.

Equally, the programme allows for rational and reflective observation across the spectrum of subjects, scrutinising and appreciating the norms and inter-relationships in business. Furthermore, you will acquire competencies to undertake both standard and specialised research over the duration of the programme that will enhance your independent learning and organisation skills.

Course Objectives
The course aims to equip graduates with modern tools for effective decision making and to provide them with the ability to evaluate their decisions in the context of complex institutional frameworks.

The specific objectives are:
•To equip students with an advanced level of knowledge of the theories, models and practice in their subject specialisation together with an understanding of how each integrates within the wider business environment.

•To foster a learning environment that stimulates the personal and professional development of students in an interdisciplinary format.

•To develop high levels of proficiency in research through the undertaking of a dissertation project in a chosen area.

•To focus on an exploration of the interrelationships across business functions using case studies with a view towards documenting best practice.

•To facilitate the transition from college to the world of work.

Who is the MBS Economics and Finance for?
If you have a degree in finance or economics or a general business degree with a finance and economics major/specialization and you would like to pursue a career in finance or in economics, then this programme has been designed with you in mind.

Entry requirements

• A H1 or 2.1 overall award in a strong specialist business/economics and finance undergraduate degree or a general business undergraduate degree with an economics and/or finance major/specialism.
• Students from a non-business degree (example  BA or a BSc) but with relevant economics/finance related modules having achieved a minimum grade of 60% in these modules. Please note that this does not guarantee automatic entry to the MBS Economics & Finance programme but you may be considered for interview and short listing.
• In some instances graduates who have achieved a 2nd class honours grade 2 in the degrees listed above and who can demonstrate a high level of performance in the economics/finance related subjects may be considered for interview and short listing.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT's English Language Requirements for details.
• If you wish to pursue this programme in a part time capacity please contact the programme director Dr. Sheila O'Donohoe at sodonohoe@wit.ie who will discuss this in more detail with you.

Duration

1 year Full-time
Part-time option available

Number of credits

90

Careers or further progression

Career Opportunities
The course addresses a clear need for graduates skilled in the application of specialist financial techniques including econometrics and data analysis techniques. The programme provides graduates with practical and quantitative skills in financial analysis, corporate financial interpretation, financial derivatives and risk management The learning and assessment approach in heavily informed by industry with participation from leading financial service companies in the delivery of th e programme. The MBS Economics and Finance is closely linked with the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research, the Centre provides updates to students on current ideas, thinking and employment opportunities in the financial services industry. WIT also has a well established Careers Centre and website providing support and advice to students.

In our recent survey of graduate employment, 85% of graduates are now in employment in positions such as investment banking, corporate banking, trading/dealing, portfolio management, asset pricing, treasury, capital markets (equity, money, bond, FX and derivatives markets), risk management and financial analysis. There is a growing demand from a cluster of financial service companies in the south east for finance and economics graduates and the relevance and transferability of the skills developed on the programme ensures that graduates are in demand from companies outside the region such as Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London).

A graduate may also apply for further post gradute Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research in WIT or to other third level institutions, either nationally or internationally.

Comment

Campus: Cork Road

Please note: The Master of Business in Economics and Finance is offered both full time and part time mode. If you are interested in pursuing the programme part time please contact Dr. Sheila O'Donohoe at sodonohoe@wit.ie

Submitting a Springboard Application
The MBS  Economics and Finance, is also offered under the Irish Government Springboard Programme for 2017/18. Springboard applicants must satisfy the Springboard Terms and Conditions outlined on the Springboard website (www.springboardcourses.ie). In addition, applicants must meet the above requirements with respect to undergraduate qualifications and English language qualifications.

Springboard applicants may also have to complete a Springboard form to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in line with the Institute's RPL policy. The programme will conform to the standard WIT Postgraduate recruitment policies with regard to accreditation of prior learning.

There is no cost for eligible Springboard applicants. Applications for the MBS  Economics and Finance by Springboard applicants can only be made via www.springboardcourses.ie. You will first need to register on the website, and then continue to make your application for the programme under the WIT list of programmes.